Egan: Harry Redknapp has a smart one with Knockhill

Simon Milham
August 24, 2022 12:38 pm

Jockey rates Sandown debut victor as Classic calibre.

John Egan believes Knockhill could “absolutely” develop into a Classic contender for co-owner Harry Redknapp, following an impressive debut at Sandown on Sunday.

The Kevin Philippart De Foy-trained son of Decorated Knight landed the seven-furlong newcomers’ maiden by a neck under Egan.

The vastly-experienced rider purchased the horse at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket in April.

🏁 Bunch finish! 🏁
Knockhill takes the Sky Bet Sunday Series Newcomers’ British EBF Maiden Stakes 🥇
Keep your eye on City Of Kings as well 👀#ITVRacing | #SundaySeries | @kpfracing pic.twitter.com/gGgFMT3jQN

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 21, 2022

He hopes to give former West Ham and Tottenham manager Redknapp, who owns the colt in partnership with Orbital Racing Group, a day out on a bigger stage next term.

Sent off a 33-1 shot, Knockhill’s victory may have come as a surprise to punters, but not to the winning jockey.

Egan said: “He is a nice horse. It was brilliant he won. Harry was over the moon with the win. He is a die-hard supporter of the game and he loves his racing and has done for years.

Harry Redknapp part-owns Knockhill (Zac Goodwin/PA)

“He is as good a two-year-old as I have sat on. He has done some nice pieces of work and he has never ever been asked a question, really.”

There are no immediate plans for Knockhill, although Egan hinted that a trip to the Saudi Cup meeting at Riyadh in February is in the back of connections’ minds.

“He is a very exciting horse,” he added. “Onwards and upwards, and he’ll get a trip. Saudi might not be out of the question – there is that big race in Saudi (Saudi Derby). I would just leave it to Kevin and see what he thinks.

“But he absolutely has Classic potential – I have no doubt. He is still growing. He is growing all the time. He is not going to be a horse until next year.

“We are looking forward to him next year. It is nice for Harry to have a good one – he needs a big one to get him to the big, big days. It would be nice to see him have a runner in the Epsom Derby, wouldn’t it?”